Lewis is the author of The Forever Fix, a book published earlier this year that explores the history and future of gene therapy as a means of fighting a variety of diseases.

"The goal of gene therapy is to replace faulty instructions," Lewis, who has a Ph.D. in genetics from Indiana University, says in the interview.

"It's not right for every disease. But it is an approach that can be considered someday along with drugs, surgery and everything else."

Lewis discusses a clinical study at Wake Forest University that is investigating whether a person's genes increase their risk of developing mesothelioma. Information from that type of research should help identify how to apply gene therapy to mesothelioma treatment, she told the Belluck & Fox website.

The New York personal injury and wrongful death attorneys of Belluck & Fox are dedicated to helping mesothelioma victims obtain compensation from manufacturers and employers responsible for their disease.

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the chest and abdomen caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring heat- and fire-resistant fibrous mineral. Asbestos has been used in a variety of equipment, industrial machinery and consumer products.

Mesothelioma victims typically show disease symptoms years or even decades after exposure to asbestos in an industrial or manufacturing workplace.

The disease is eventually fatal, but aggressive therapy may prolong the lives of patients who are diagnosed early, said New York mesothelioma attorney Joseph W. Belluck, a founding partner of the firm.

"The kind of research that Ricki Lewis writes about in her book and discusses on our website provides hope for a brighter future to those in early stages of mesothelioma," Belluck said.

"For instance, cutting edge work on gene therapy and mesothelioma is being spearheaded at the University of Pennsylvania by Dr. Daniel Sterman. Dr. Sterman's work holds great promise for the vicitms of asbestos diseases, including mesothelioma," he added.

"At Belluck & Fox, we hope the publicity that Dr. Lewis brings to gene therapy and mesothelioma research spurs others to take up the cause of finding a mesothelioma treatment and cure through research or financial support of researchers."

About Belluck & Fox, LLP

Belluck & Fox, LLP, is a nationally recognized law firm that represents individuals with asbestos and mesothelioma claims, as well as victims of crime, motorcycle crashes, lead paint and other serious injuries. The firm provides personalized and professional representation and has won more than $500 million in compensation for clients and their families.

Partner Joseph W. Belluck is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine's "Best Lawyers in the New York Area" and in Super Lawyers. Mr. Belluck has won numerous cases involving injuries from asbestos, defective medical products, tobacco and lead paint.

Partner Jordan Fox is a well-known asbestos and mesothelioma attorney who has been named to the Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine's "Best Lawyers in the New York Area" and to Super Lawyers. On two separate occasions his verdicts were featured as the National Law Journal's Largest Verdict of the Year.

Belluck & Fox, LLP, is featured on the list of America's best law firms, which is published jointly by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers magazine. The listing showcases 8,782 different law firms ranked in one or more of 81 major practice areas.

The firm's New York City office is located at 546 Fifth Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 (local phone number (212) 681-1575). For more information, contact the firm at (877) 637-6843 or through the online contact form.